The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is warning payroll and human resources professionals about a new phishing email scheme run by cybercriminals posing as company executives who solicit Forms W-2 containing Social Security numbers and other personal identifiable information. (IRS news release, IR-2016-34.)

The IRS reports that this scheme has already claimed several victims and is part of a 400% surge in phishing emails this year.

The following are some of the details contained in the e-mails:

— Kindly send me the individual 2015 W-2 (PDF) and earnings summary of all W-2 of our company staff for a quick review

— Can you send me the updated list of employees with full details (Name, Social Security Number, Date of Birth, Home Address, Salary) as at 2/2/2016.

— I want you to send me the list of W-2 copy of employees wage and tax statement for 2015, I need them in PDF file type, you can send it as an attachment. Kindly prepare the lists and email them to me asap.

Ernst & Young LLP insights

Payroll and human resources professionals should review closely any email requests for sensitive information and make it a habit not to email personally identifiable information by using the email reply option. Instead, use intercompany email directories to confirm and fulfill requests for information from authorized company personnel.

If businesses receive an unsolicited email that appears to be from either the IRS e-services portal or an organization closely linked to the IRS, report it by sending it to phishing@irs.gov.

Learn more by going to the IRS Report Phishing and Online Scams page.

———————————————

———————————————